IBM R5 manual Make Use of NotesBench Data, Learn from Semaphores

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Lotus Domino Server R5 Implementation Guide

June 18, 2001

 

 

ŸFor partitioned systems, you will need to ensure the NSF Buffer Pool is properly set since Domino cannot automatically determine the memory that’s actually available to it across multiple partitions. This can be accomplished by placing the following variable in the notes.ini file:

PercentAvailSysResources=nn (where nn is 100 / number of partitions)

ŸLet Domino allocate mail delivery threads (for local delivery) as needed, based on available memory.

ŸLet the Domino router allocate the mail transfer threads (for delivery to another server), based on demand.

Configured appropriately, a Domino R5 server running on AIX can transfer 20,000 messages in one minute.

Make Use of NotesBench Data

Most benchmarks just tell you what vendors want you to hear. But NotesBench really is different. NotesBench benchmarks enable you to make "apples to apples" comparisons about Domino capacity on hardware configurations from various vendors. You can even guesstimate total cost of ownership with reasonable accuracy using these numbers.

Perusing NotesBench data is also a great way to glean information on how to optimize your system configurations. Check out what disk topology, kernel settings, patches, and service packs were used (and not used) to squeeze maximum performance from their systems.

Learn from Semaphores

Semaphores are a communication mechanism used among process threads. Here is a list of popular semaphores and what they mean from the standpoint of performance:

ŸCollection (0x30B) and Collection Queue (0x309). Indicates that the CPU and memory are bottlenecked. Best fix is to defer Administration Process activities to non-peak hours and optimize the I/O subsystem.

ŸDB (0x245) and DB Queue (0x244). Indicates that the database cache and disk I/O are bottlenecked. Best fix is to add more memory and optimize the I/O subsystem. Enabling field-level replication (if you haven't already) will also help.

ŸBTree (0x255). Indicates a problem with how views are stored and rebuilt. The best fix is to defer view rebuilding to off-hours, and optimize the I/O subsystem.

Know the Symptoms of Server Over-Utilization

Typical problems that point to a server that's in over its head are slow or failure-prone mail delivery, degrading user response time, and slow address lookups.

To check mail delivery, look at the percentage of time your disks are utilized, and at mail queue length. For R5, you can also check (and optimize) the number of mail.box files and the numbers of transfer and local delivery threads.

To enhance response times, try optimizing the manner in which I/O-intensive files are distributed across the disk subsystem.

If address lookups are slow, things may improve substantially when users deploy Lightweight Directories on their desktops. This will reduce the load on the server and the network. You can also check the hit rate for the Name Lookup Cache. A good hit rate is at least 85%.

If your problem is slow page rendering or an unresponsive Web server, check the number of HTTP threads, and the percentage of time disks are utilized. Set the number of HTTP threads at 1:10 (one thread for every ten users).

How can you tell if a server is underutilized? Look for a CPU utilization rate below 50%, disk access ratio below 50%, or more than 200 MB of RAM consistently available. But note that the resources required for

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Contents Revised June 18 Disclaimer PSeries Lotus Domino Server e-business Solution Overview Lotus Domino Server R5 Implementation Guide Supported Software Releases Domino Release AIX ReleasePTF Matrix Component Recommended LevelNetwork Protocols and Topology Performance GuidelinesWhat Affects Application Responsiveness? Network TopologySteps to Maximum Domino Performance Know the ConfigurationOther Workload Factors Log Performance Metrics Consistently Distribute I/O Across Physical DisksOptimize for Domino R5 Make Use of NotesBench Data Know the Symptoms of Server Over-UtilizationLearn from Semaphores Consider Partitioning Know When to Consolidate and When to DistributeConsider Clustering Lotus NotesBench28,032 38,235 $23.91 $17.53 Sizing Guidelines Domino R5 on AIX Client Type R5 Scalability IncreaseDomino R5 on AIX Specifics RS/6000 Domino Server Sizing Tool Medium Configuration Sample ConfigurationsSmall Configuration Large ConfigurationEducation Pre-installation SupportPre-sales Technical Support Course Name Course Cost Course Duration Course NumberLotus Domino Server R5 Implementation Guide Select an Install Team Implementation Process OverviewServers Train Domino and Network AdministratorsNetwork WorkstationsSetup a Pilot Project Create an Install Plan for the Network Infrastructure Create or Modify an Existing Disaster Recovery Plan Hardware Operating SystemServer Workstation Schedule and Perform the Installation of the Domino Servers Lotus Domino Server R5 Implementation Guide Document Experiences, Problems, and Solutions Monitor Servers and Assist Users as NeededLotus Domino Server R5 Implementation Guide Checklist for Implementation Completed?Check your Default Path Environment Variable Installation StepsLogin to AIX as the Root User Preparing the AIX EnvironmentCreate AIX Groups Create a Volume GroupCreate AIX Users Create a Logical Volume for the Domino Binaries Create a Logical Volume for the Domino Data DirectoryCreate a File System for the Domino Data Directory Mount the File Systems Check AIX Kernel ConfigurationCreate a File System for the Domino Binaries Change Ownership of the New File SystemsMounting the Cdrom Installing the Lotus Domino ServerRun the Install Program From the CD Welcome ScreenConfiguration Review Select the Type of Domino Server to InstallSetup for Partitioned Domino Servers File Installation CompleteNetwork and Communication Settings Start the Http Server Task For Server ConfigurationAdministration Settings Server Setup is CompletePost-installation Support Domino Product SupportAIX Support Hardware SupportServices Available Service Description ContactURLs Additional Technical ResourcesRedbooks Publications Appendix A. Sample Configurator Configurations Small ConfigurationCD-ROM Medium Configuration Lotus Domino Server R5 Implementation GuideJune 18 CD-ROM Large Configuration Lotus Domino Server R5 Implementation GuideJune 18 CD-ROM Appendix B. IBM Production Configuration Lotus Domino Server R5 Implementation Guide

R5 specifications

IBM R5, also known as IBM Notes R5, marked a significant evolution in the IBM Notes and Domino platform, offering users enhanced capabilities and features that improved productivity and collaboration in the workplace. Released in 1999, R5 introduced a more refined user interface, improved performance, and a range of new tools designed to facilitate communication and teamwork.

One of the standout features of IBM R5 was its comprehensive integration of email, calendaring, and tasks within a single interface. This centralized approach allowed users to manage their communications more efficiently, reducing the need to switch between multiple applications. The improved email functionality included enhanced filtering and sorting capabilities, enabling users to better organize their inboxes.

The R5 version also introduced significant advancements in the collaborative aspects of the platform. With new tools for team collaboration, such as enhanced discussion databases and a shared documents feature, R5 made it easier for teams to work together on projects irrespective of their physical locations. The introduction of instant messaging capabilities further bridged communication gaps, allowing users to connect in real time.

IBM R5 was built on a robust architecture that incorporated Domino server enhancements, which improved scalability and performance. The platform supported new technologies, including Java applets, allowing developers to build more dynamic and interactive applications. Additionally, the integration of the LDAP (Lightweight Directory Access Protocol) provided better directory services, making it simpler to manage user identities across the network.

Security features were also a focus in R5, with improvements in encryption and user authentication that helped safeguard sensitive data. The platform’s ability to integrate with other enterprise applications while maintaining robust security protocols made it a choice for organizations that prioritized data protection.

Moreover, IBM R5 incorporated a more modular and flexible architecture, enabling easier customization and management of applications and components. This adaptability catered to a wide range of business needs, thus positioning IBM Notes R5 as a versatile solution for organizations looking to enhance their workflow and communication processes.

Overall, IBM R5 served as a milestone in the evolution of enterprise collaboration solutions. Its innovative features, user-friendly interface, and robust security measures laid the foundation for future developments in the IBM Notes and Domino ecosystem, ultimately contributing to more efficient and effective business practices.
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